The Shippenburg University women’s basketball team held a first half lead but ultimately lost a nail-biter to PSAC foe No. 16 Indiana University of Pa., 74-71 on Friday night at Kovalchick Complex.
SU had three starters register in double digits as Sarah Strybuc posted 20 and Dana and Shawna Wert posted 16 and 10 respectively, but the Raiders could not hold off a second half surge by the Crimson Hawks.
The Raiders, led by a strong free-throw performance, raced out to an 11-3 run late in the first half to help enable them take a 34-31 lead into the break.
However, the Crimson Hawks responded.
After shooting just 23 percent from the field in the first half, IUP found its stroke, connecting on 50 percent of its shots in the second half. After a Stephanie Knauer layup put the Raiders up by five early in the second half, the Crimson Hawks blazed back, ultimately seizing a 46-45 lead midway through the half.
It was a lead they did not relinquish.
IUP’s Sarah Pastorek took command, scoring nine of her twenty points in the second half. SU rallied late, cutting the lead to four with 10 seconds to play after a Strybuc layup but could not do any more damage.
IUP’s Marita Mathe finished the game with 16 points while Amy Fairman posted 13 points and eight rebounds.
IUP (11-3, 6-2) is back in action when it hosts Millersville University today at 5:30.
The Raiders (8-5, 4-4) will travel to California University of Pa. for a 5:30 p.m. clash. The Vulcans (10-2, 6-2) are coming off a 67-64 victory over MU.
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